Albert D. Kniskern was born in
Monee, Illinois on December 2, 1861, the son of Philip W. Kniskern and Cornelia Louisa (Goodenow) Kniskern. Kniskern's surname was originally "Niskern"; he changed it to "Kniskern" in 1904. He graduated from
Hastings High School in
Hastings, Michigan in 1882, then began attendance at the
United States Military Academy (West Point). He graduated 25th of 77 in the class of 1886. ==Awards==